Shotline Diving

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Whittlesea US 26840

Explore the remains of the Whittlesea, a mid-19th century scow schooner abandoned in Lake Erie, with a rich history of trade and multiple ownership changes.

Shotline Diving Wreck Profile

  • Name: Whittlesea
  • Type: Scow Schooner
  • Year Built: 1856
  • Builder: John Miner
  • Dimensions: Length 91 ft (27.7 m); Beam 27.4 ft; Depth of hold 7.6 ft
  • Registered Tonnage: 109 tons
  • Location: Cleveland, Ohio, Lake Erie
  • Official Number: 26840
  • Original Owners: John Miner, J. B. Chapin, Manville Hyde, John L. Woods
  • Number of Masts: 2

Wreck Location Map

Vessel Type

Vessel Type: Scow Schooner

Description

Description: The Whittlesea was a wooden scow schooner built in 1856, featuring a single deck and two masts. It was primarily used for bulk cargo transport across the Great Lakes.

History

History: The Whittlesea was enrolled at Detroit in 1856, initially rated at 115 tons. It experienced a stranding incident in 1858 near Burchville, Lake Huron. Over the years, it changed ownership multiple times, with significant events including a rebuild in 1866 and a transfer of enrollment to various districts.

Significant Incidents

Significant Incidents:

  • 1858: Stranded in gale near Burchville, Lake Huron.
  • 1866: Rebuilt and enlarged at Port Huron, MI.

Final Disposition

Final Disposition: The Whittlesea was formally abandoned in 1873 in Cleveland, Ohio, on Lake Erie. Its condition is presumed to be dismantled or scuttled, with no reported casualties.

Current Condition & Accessibility

Current Condition & Accessibility: The exact location and condition of the wreck are unknown, but it is presumed dismantled or scuttled.

Resources & Links

References are being reviewed for this wreck.

Closing Summary: The Whittlesea serves as a historical example of mid-19th century maritime trade in the Great Lakes, reflecting the transition from wooden vessels to more modern designs.